The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on sperm function

Abstract

Mobile phone usage has become an integral part of our lives. However, the effects of the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) emitted by these devices on biological systems and specifically the reproductive systems are currently under active debate. A fundamental hindrance to the current debate is that there is no clear mechanism of how such non-ionising radiation influences biological systems. Therefore, we explored the documented impacts of RF-EMR on the male reproductive system and considered any common observations that could provide insights on a potential mechanism. Among a total of 27 studies investigating the effects of RF-EMR on the male reproductive system, negative consequences of exposure were reported in 21. Within these 21 studies, 11 of the 15 that investigated sperm motility reported significant declines, 7 of 7 that measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) documented elevated levels and 4 of 5 studies that probed for DNA damage highlighted increased damage due to RF-EMR exposure. Associated with this, RF-EMR treatment reduced the antioxidant levels in 6 of 6 studies that discussed this phenomenon, whereas consequences of RF-EMR were successfully ameliorated with the supplementation of antioxidants in all 3 studies that carried out these experiments. In light of this, we envisage a two-step mechanism whereby RF-EMR is able to induce mitochondrial dysfunction leading to elevated ROS production. A continued focus on research, which aims to shed light on the biological effects of RF-EMR will allow us to test and assess this proposed mechanism in a variety of cell types.Reproduction (2016) 152 R263-R276

Probing the Origins of 1,800 MHz Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation Induced Damage in Mouse Immortalized Germ Cells and Spermatozoa in vitro

“…However, the need to understand the physicobiological details of how non-ionizing radiation results in cellular damage remains unmet. Elucidating such a mechanism has been confounded by the considerable amount of conflicting data published to date ( 55 ). The difficulty in establishing a recognized mechanism is a major constraint when examining the potential clinical impacts of research in this field.…”

The Importance of Oxidative Stress in Determining the Functionality of Mammalian Spermatozoa: A Two-Edged Sword

“…Different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have also been suggested to induce oxidative stress in the male germ line. The impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) has recently been reviewed and supports the general consensus that, like obesity, this form of radiation can induce ROS generation, reduce antioxidant protection and increase sperm DNA damage [95]. Moreover, a 2-step mechanism has been proposed to explain this phenomenon; in the first step, RF-EMR induces displacement of electrons from the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane.…”

“…The alkylation of proteins in the electron transport chain, such as succinic acid dehydrogenase, further disrupts the flow of electrons within the inner mitochondrial membrane leading to yet more ROS generation and exacerbating the state of oxidative stress, ultimately compromising both the functional competence of the spermatozoa and the integrity of their DNA [96,97]. The clinical significance of these findings can be found in several epidemiological studies demonstrating significant links between mobile phone usage and semen quality [95].…”

Molecular Changes Induced by Oxidative Stress that Impair Human Sperm Motility

“…Similarly, increasing attention has been focused on the potential impact of non-ionizing radiation, such as the electromagnetic energy (EME) emitted by mobile technologies and other forms of microwave equipment, on the male germ line [55]. In this context, the human body has the potential to behave in a manner analogous to that of an antenna that receives EME [56].…”